Marina
Three individuals sustained serious injuries Sunday evening after being struck by a vehicle along Interstate 70 in Wyandotte County.
The accident occurred after a separate collision had already left another car disabled on the roadside.
Time and Location
The crash was reported at approximately 5:04 p.m. on Sunday, about two miles west of the Bonner Springs exit.
How the Accident Happened
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2013 Ford Fusion traveling westbound on I-70 lost control.
The vehicle rolled toward a Chevrolet Impala that had been disabled from an earlier crash and was located in the right ditch.
The Ford collided with three pedestrians who were standing near the Impala on the shoulder of the highway—the Impala’s driver, a passenger, and a passerby who had stopped to assist.
Victims of the Crash
The injured pedestrians were identified as:
- Dylan Birkenbaught, 22, of Topeka
- Jesse Colwell, 26, of Topeka
- Jason Kautzman, 23, of Osage City
All three were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries.
Injuries to Ford Occupants
The Ford Fusion’s driver, Julian Wahnee, 34, along with passengers Alannah Wahnee, 14; Rebecca Unzueta, 27; and Elijah Wahnee, 8, all from Topeka, were also taken to the University of Kansas Hospital. Their injuries were reported as minor.
Officials confirmed that all occupants of the Ford Fusion were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.
Summary of Victims and Injuries
| Name | Age | Hometown | Role | Injury Status | Hospitalized |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Birkenbaught | 22 | Topeka | Impala Driver | Serious Injuries | Yes |
| Jesse Colwell | 26 | Topeka | Impala Passenger | Serious Injuries | Yes |
| Jason Kautzman | 23 | Osage City | Passerby | Serious Injuries | Yes |
| Julian Wahnee | 34 | Topeka | Ford Driver | Minor Injuries | Yes |
| Alannah Wahnee | 14 | Topeka | Passenger | Minor Injuries | Yes |
| Rebecca Unzueta | 27 | Topeka | Passenger | Minor Injuries | Yes |
| Elijah Wahnee | 8 | Topeka | Passenger | Minor Injuries | Yes |
The tragic Interstate 70 crash highlights the risks faced by pedestrians standing near disabled vehicles on busy highways.
Despite wearing safety restraints, the Ford occupants sustained injuries, while the pedestrians suffered far more severe consequences. Authorities continue to remind drivers to exercise caution and maintain distance when approaching roadside accidents.